SquakBox. information
Squakbox is a program in wide BETA testing fase. This meens that there are still bugs in the
program but it's avaiable for download and use. SquakBox is a Freeware program , this meens
that you won't have to pay any money for it . Nor can you charge any money for it . I am not the
author of the program but i will try to answer any questions about it . my e-mail adress and
links to other informative sites are at the bottom of the page, but please read this info before
mailing me.
-What Does it do ?
SquakBox provides three main things .
* ATC (Air Traffic Controll) from other people on the internet
* Real world weather ( Yes, the current weather in the "real world" comes into FS...)
* An FMS (a flight computer with an advanced GPS , TCAS and ACARS)
- How can we get ATC into squakbox ?
When you start squakbox you connect to the internet. Then you connect to a special internet
server that has a program on it that "feels" that you are using SB. Other people on the internet
have another program called Pro Controller (they have all passed a tough exam by SATCO and
know what they are doing) They also conect to the Internet and the server. It is really a bit like
chatting on IRC ... except this time you get commands from ATC and are expected to follow
these instructions and behave in a nice way towards fellow flightsimers.
-FMS ? , What is that ??
The FMS is a very usefull flightcomputer. it includes the following functions:
* A GPS , you can put in lots information about your aircraft ( model weight climb/descent rates
etc) and then you can use the GPS in two modes eather put in a flightplan consisting of several
Navaids / Airports / Fixes that you wish the aircraft to fly to . Or a direct to mode where you
enter the name of a navaid / airport / fix that you wish to fly to . In both these ways you will see
information sutch as ETA , Distance Left etc. You can also let the GPS know at what altitude
you want to reach a waypoint and it will calculate and do the descent for you .
* TCAS ( short for Terminal Collison Avoydance System) it will display other aircrafts close to
you so that you know where you got other aircrafts.
* ACARS , This is a system that is not yet very built out and the creators promice to put in more
in this category in the future releses. Now the ACARS can give you METAR(Weather reports)
for almost any airport in the world.
-Do i have to be an Airliner pilot to understand the ATC-part ?
To understand the ATC-part you might have to read a bit of info (NOT MUCH AT ALL !!)
on the "language" used when comunicating. But remember that since the Controllers are
human they will make sure that you have understood what they meen and can explain if you
don't understand (live and learn ...).
-But i crash at evry second landing is that a problem ? :)
If you crash it might be because you are not on a nice glideslope. In SB the controllers will line
you up for landing witch makes it easier to land. And remember training makes perfect ...
As you probably understand this is a very basic information about SquakBox for more info
go to http://www.oakcrest.com/satcohq/welcome.html or www.avsim.com or feel free to mail me